Hi
I'm putting together a new software development workstation to run Ubuntu and Compiz. I haven't built a Linux machine before, only Windows; nor have I done anything that actually uses any 3D power on the graphics card. My current thinking is:
My questions are:
Some info on my requirements:
I run a pretty massive desktop, 2 x 1920x1200 displays and I have loads of apps open at the same time. I'll be running Ubuntu (Linux) and Compiz compositing window manager. I'll also be running various versions of Windows in virtual machines, possibly simultaneously. I want the whole machine to feel really snappy and responsive and I will not tolerate any flickering, breakup or tearing of windows.
I know most of the performance bottlenecks I'll face are disk and memory related, but as I understand it, my graphics card choice is also significant.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Peter
I'm putting together a new software development workstation to run Ubuntu and Compiz. I haven't built a Linux machine before, only Windows; nor have I done anything that actually uses any 3D power on the graphics card. My current thinking is:
- Asus M2N32 WS PRO
- Athlon 64 X2 6000+ AM2 3.0GHz
- 2 X OCZ Technology 2x1GB 240DIMM PC2-6400 FlexXLC (4GB Total)
- Gigabyte GeForce 8600GT GV-NX86T512H pasively cooled
- 2 x WD2500YS SATA drives (in software RAID 1)
- Corsair CMPSU-520HXUK PSU
My questions are:
- Is the graphics card just going to be sitting getting board just running Compiz or is it underpowered to run a massive desktop with fullscreen antialiasing (see below)?
- Would a simpler motherboard be a better choice as I have no intention of overclocking?
- With a fast CPU and both the GPU and the MB passively cooled, I figure a good arflow through the case is important, but how much is "a good airflow"? A 12cm fan at the front and one at the back or something more serious? I was thinking about an Antec 900, is it just going to laugh at me? Would a NZXT hush be more appropriate with the added advantage of quietening?
- Am I right in thinking a CPU cooler like the Zalman CNPS9700 would give a cleaner air flow (= more efficient = slower fans = quieter) than say a Thermaltake Golden Orb?
- Perhaps most importantly, is there anything here that Ubuntu wont like playing with? Sound, APIC, suspend etc.?
Some info on my requirements:
I run a pretty massive desktop, 2 x 1920x1200 displays and I have loads of apps open at the same time. I'll be running Ubuntu (Linux) and Compiz compositing window manager. I'll also be running various versions of Windows in virtual machines, possibly simultaneously. I want the whole machine to feel really snappy and responsive and I will not tolerate any flickering, breakup or tearing of windows.
I know most of the performance bottlenecks I'll face are disk and memory related, but as I understand it, my graphics card choice is also significant.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Peter
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